'89 FLHTC

Motorcycles require a minimalist approach to life in many ways, one of which involves the fact that there really isn't anyplace to pack stuff on a bike. When you go, you take yourself and little more. Add a few hard luggage cases, though, and you now have a place for stuff. The problem with luggage however is that it usually looks tacked on, so if you are trying to look stylish, you need to be creative. Lawayne Matthies, of Grand Prairie, Texas, has figured out how to have his cases and look cool, too.

Starting with a full-tilt '89 Electra Glide touring bike, Lawayne lowered the bike with a White Brothers lowering kit, cleaned off all the barbs (which included the front fairing, the rear box and many of the guards), reformed the front FLH fender to follow the 21-inch RC-Components wheel and Metzler tire, and bolted on a molded Xzotic five-gallon gas tank to give this tourer a distinct yet subtle look.

A chromed Xzotic-FLH headlight with Xzotic headlight visor sits ahead of early FL handlebars with 3-inch extensions. A police solo seat puts everything in perspective for the ride.

The engine is mostly stock, with an aftermarket Harley-Davidson air cleaner, Sammson exhaust, and for an original look, Knucklehead rocker boxes.

To finish off the look of the bike, Greg McFarland sprayed a striking black-and-silver paint scheme and added tasteful pinstriping and lettering to the tank and baggage.

For more cruising pleasure, the stereo was relocated under the seat, while the stock controls handle the tuning.

Having it all seems so simple when you know how it all came together. Lawayne cruises in comfort on his intelligently modified FLHTC, proving that you can "tour" in style.